The FC Bayern Munich Under-23 side, sans Der Bomber Gerd Muller, arrived in the city early Thursday. Muller, who is the assistant coach of the team, is expected to come tomorrow.

“We are very happy to be here again. During winter, it’s very difficult to train in our country owing to freezing conditions. We got an offer to come here for training and playing a few practice matches and we grabbed the opportunity. It will be very nice to train in a warmer climate,” Bayern’s chief coach, youth development programme, Verman Kahn said at the East Bengal ground this evening.

Another key factor that has attracted the German giants to come here is a chance to visit the Bengal Techno Bayern Academy (BTBA) during their week-long stay.

Bayern will play three exhibition matches — two against East Bengal, on January 17 at Barasat Stadium and January 19 at East Bengal ground, and one against Siliguri Mayor’s XI at Kanchenjunga Stadium on January 21.

“Youth development is the key to progress. We have been doing this for last 15 years and have produced more than 70 quality players who are currently playing in Bundesliga and other top leagues. Players like Owen Hargreaves are the products of this programme,” Kahn said.

As for the Under-23 team, he singled out Thomas Muller for special praise.

Muller has scored nine goals in 19 matches so far in the third division league. So, watch out for this young striker.